A major breakthrough has emerged in the investigation into the death of Mir Raza, with DNA testing confirming that the body recovered in the case was that of the young man, according to forensic sources.

The DNA identification was completed by the Sindh Forensic DNA Department after samples collected during Raza’s exhumation were matched with reference samples provided by his parents.

Sources said the forensic report confirmed the identity of the body as Mir Raza. Blood samples collected from the crime scene also matched the DNA profile, according to the report.

The medical board has also submitted its report to the Sindh Police, sources said, while a third report following the post-mortem examination has been handed over to the investigation team in Karachi.

Meanwhile, investigators have received the detailed chemical examination report of Raza’s shirt, revealing traces of hydrochloric acid and components of a sedative in his blood sample, according to investigative sources.

The findings have raised suspicion that Raza may have been given a substance to sedate or incapacitate him before his death.

Investigators said the chemical analysis also detected gunshot residue on the back of Raza’s shirt. According to officials, the greater concentration of residue on the back indicates that the shot may have been fired from behind.

Raza’s shirt had been sent to a forensic laboratory for detailed chemical and forensic examination to help establish the circumstances surrounding his death.

The latest findings have also exposed further shortcomings in the initial investigation. Investigators said the previous team had not conducted geofencing of the crime scene or obtained Raza’s call data record (CDR).

His smartwatch had also not been subjected to forensic examination.

The newly formed investigation team has now taken over the case and is conducting geofencing of the crime scene. It will also obtain mobile data and collect further information about the guesthouse where the alleged incident took place.

The team has also contacted the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and will submit a formal request to determine whether Raza had received any threats online or over the phone before his death.

Raza family lawyer Jibran Nasir earlier told the media that 12 to 13 days had passed since the incident, but several forensic reports were still awaited.

He said samples of Raza’s shirt and different body parts sent to the University of Karachi laboratory by the previous investigation committee were expected within a day or two. He also said other detailed forensic reports could take eight to 10 days.

Nasir urged the media not to circulate leaked audio recordings or sensationalise developments, saying Raza’s family was providing all available information. He said the family had accompanied the new investigation team to the relevant locations and urged police to broaden the scope of the probe.

Raza’s father, Mir Hussain, has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the new investigation team and said the family had full confidence in it.

He criticised the previous team for failing to share investigation details with the family and said the case could have been at a different stage if an effective investigation had been carried out from the outset.

Hussain said the family still wanted to establish what had actually happened to Raza and had already provided police with information about three suspicious individuals.

He said the family would pursue the matter as far as necessary to establish the truth and secure justice.